QR-IBAN or IBAN?
In short: for most freelancers, clubs and private people a normal IBAN is enough. The QR-IBAN is an extra that banks offer to businesses that want to book incoming payments automatically.
Updated October 2026
The normal IBAN
This is your account’s IBAN, as it appears on your statement. With it you issue QR-bills without a reference or with a creditor reference. The creditor reference starts with RF, is an international standard and also helps match payments to invoices.
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The QR-IBAN
A QR-IBAN looks like a normal IBAN. The difference is in digits 5 to 9: for a QR-IBAN they lie between 30000 and 31999. Your bank gives you a QR-IBAN on request.
With a QR-IBAN you always use the 27-digit QR reference. Your accounting software can then match each payment to the right invoice automatically.
Which combinations are allowed?
- IBAN without a reference: allowed.
- IBAN with a creditor reference (RF…): allowed.
- QR-IBAN with a QR reference (27 digits): allowed.
- QR-IBAN without a QR reference: not allowed.
- IBAN with a QR reference: not allowed.
How Scanbill helps
As you type, Scanbill recognises whether you enter an IBAN or a QR-IBAN and picks the matching reference. Your invoice number becomes a valid QR reference or creditor reference with the right check digit.
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Common questions
Does a QR-IBAN cost anything?
That depends on your bank. Ask them about their terms.
How do I recognise a QR-IBAN?
By digits 5 to 9: if they lie between 30000 and 31999, it’s a QR-IBAN. Scanbill checks this automatically.
Do I have to give a reference at all?
Not with a normal IBAN. A reference does make matching easier if you send many invoices.